Sport. From A Slightly Different Angle.

Premier League Primer: Little Things

Image: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images.

Despite Alan Hansen’s assertions to the contrary, Sir Alex Ferguson has proven throughout his career that it’s the little things that win Premier League titles. Expensive signings, column inches and glorious goal fests can propel you so far, but over the period of a season, if you don’t score more goals and win more games than your peers, as well as ensure your players know who’s the boss, the only thing you’re going to be lifting in May is a P45.

Simples.

Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images.

Last night, Manchester United conceded early for the twelfth time this season. For the eighth time they turned it around, with two goals from a man who has caused consternation to his boss on and off the pitch with alarming regularity. Defensively they were mediocre, and Ferguson himself said that Southampton, who themselves are in the midst of an existential crisis of their own, were “the best team to play here this season” for periods in the second half.